Abandoned Vehicles: Madison vs Middleton
How do abandoned vehicles rules compare between Madison, WI and Middleton, WI?
Madison and Middleton have similar restriction levels.
Madison, WI
Dane County
Madison defines abandoned vehicles per WI Stat 342.40 and MGO 12.137: vehicles parked over 48 hours on streets or inoperable/unregistered vehicles on private property. Tagged then towed after 7 days; sold at auction if unclaimed.
View full Madison rules →Middleton, WI
Dane County
Wisconsin Stat. §342.40 and §349.13 let Dane County and its municipalities tag and tow vehicles left over 48 hours on public ways or stored inoperable in view. Madison (MGO §12.82) gives 48-hour notice. Dane County Code §48.09 covers unincorporated junk vehicles on private property.
View full Middleton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Madison | Middleton |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | WI Stat 342.40 | - |
| City Code | MGO 12.137 + 10.18 | - |
| Notice | 7 days after tagging | 10 days before disposal |
| Impound Fees | ~$150 tow + storage | - |
| Auction | After 30 days unclaimed | - |
| 48-Hour Rule | - | Wis. Stat. §342.40 |
| Madison Tow | - | $150 + $25/day MGO §12.82 |
| County Code §48.09 | - | Screening required |
| Registration | - | Required Wis. Stat. §341.04 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Madison FAQ
How do I report an abandoned vehicle?
Call Madison Parking Enforcement at 608-266-4624 or use the Report a Problem tool on cityofmadison.com. Provide location, plate, description.
My car got towed — how do I get it back?
Call Madison Police non-emergency to locate the impound lot. Bring title/registration, ID, and payment. Fees grow daily, so retrieve quickly.
Middleton FAQ
I'm restoring a classic car in my driveway outside Madison. Is that allowed?
In unincorporated Dane County, Code §48.09 requires outdoor vehicles to be registered and operable, or screened behind a six-foot opaque fence. Collector-plate vehicles under Wis. Stat. §341.266 have some protection but still must be covered or screened.
How long before my car is considered abandoned on a Madison street?
48 hours under Wis. Stat. §342.40 and MGO §12.82. Enforcement typically chalks the tire, then tags and tows. Even legally parked vehicles must move every 48 hours.
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